Saudi Typhoon Order Confirmed

AIN reported this morning (Saudi Typhoons in Final Assembly; Tornados Being Upgraded) that an announcement about Saudi Arabia’s agreement to buy 72 Eurofighter Typhoons could come soon…and it did. In fact, it came sooner than even we expected. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the agreement this afternoon. Following plans outlined in December 2005, the agreement establishes a defense cooperation program called “Project Salam,” which will include substantial logistical and training packages and provide RAF and Royal Saudi Air Force aircrews and ground technicians the opportunity to train alongside each other in the UK. Commenting on the announcement, Ian Godden, chief executive of the Society of British Aerospace Companies, said, “This is a fabulous boost for the aerospace industry and the UK economy. This is one of the largest export orders of a generation and provides a great platform for further orders.”